Memphis, TN. — Marcus Stokes delivered a five-touchdown performance, and Memphis found a way to survive a late East Carolina comeback, defeating the Pirates 41-34 in overtime Thursday night.
Stokes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing scores, leading the Tigers to their sixth victory of the season. Memphis improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the American Conference, while East Carolina fell to 3-4 and 1-2 in league play.
The game came down to two decisive plays in overtime. Stokes finished Memphis’ opening possession with a 5-yard touchdown run, putting the Tigers ahead. East Carolina had an opportunity to answer, but Ellis Ellis Jr. intercepted a pass in the end zone to end the contest and secure the victory for Memphis.
Stokes completed 29 of 43 passes and consistently kept the Tigers’ offense moving. Jermyri Hayes provided a major spark after halftime, hauling in a 59-yard touchdown pass from Stokes just over a minute into the third quarter. The scoring play trimmed East Carolina’s lead to 16-10 and gave Memphis renewed momentum.
Jermyri Davis also played a significant role in the Tigers’ offensive production, recording eight catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Memphis appeared poised to close out the game in regulation when Stokes capped a 13-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 3:31 remaining. The score gave the Tigers a late advantage, but East Carolina refused to go away.
With the Pirates facing fourth-and-9, quarterback Mitch Griffis connected with Landon Sides on a 20-yard touchdown pass approximately two minutes later. The clutch completion tied the game at 34-34 and forced overtime.
Griffis entered the game early in the second quarter after starter Emory Williams was replaced. Griffis finished 14-of-26 for 199 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Williams completed five of 13 passes for 61 yards before leaving the game.
East Carolina had built its early lead behind a combination of rushing production and reliable kicking. Noah Perez connected on field goals from 22 and 30 yards before drilling a career-long 49-yarder as time expired in the first half. That kick extended the Pirates’ advantage to 16-3 at the break.
The Pirates also received a strong rushing effort from T.J. Engleman Jr., who gained 92 yards and scored a touchdown. Ashton Gray added a 1-yard rushing touchdown as East Carolina repeatedly found ways to answer Memphis’ offensive pushes.
Despite the late rally, the Pirates could not finish the job. Memphis’ ability to produce in critical moments, followed by Ellis’ game-ending interception, proved decisive in a contest that featured multiple momentum swings.
Stokes’ dual-threat performance ultimately separated the teams. His passing production kept Memphis within striking distance, while his two rushing touchdowns helped the Tigers finish the comeback and escape with an overtime victory.
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